At the 2026 Life Leadership Conference, I dropped off five Benzie Central students and stayed for a few hours to see what the next three days might hold for them. As they found their rooms, the warmth of the LLC staff quickly eased any nerves.
Molly Kennedy’s opening session was electric—full of humor, energy, and connection. By the time I left that afternoon, I was eager to see how the experience would shape our students. The teacher who helps select attendees has a gift for choosing students not for grades or athleticism, but for their “heart and soul”—the ones most likely to bring what they learn back to their school.
Driving home, I knew I wanted to return on Saturday to witness their growth. I was especially curious about one student—let’s call her Rosario. English is her second language, her family lives in migrant housing, and her world at school is small because she sometimes struggles with social nuances. When I encouraged her to attend LLC, she was flattered but hesitant. I assured her she would be welcomed.
When I arrived Saturday, I spotted Rosario laughing with a group of girls. After lunch, she was up front dancing with everyone. On the drive home she said, “I didn’t believe you when you said everyone would be friendly and accepting of me. But I made SO MANY friends.” Rosario was transformed.
I’m excited to see how these five students—and last year’s four—bring that same acceptance and kindness back to Benzie. I keep thinking about the messages the facilitators and co-directors John Noling and Rhonda Lamberg left with the students:
- “You always had the power; you just needed to believe it.”
- “You’ll spend your life chasing the feeling you had this week… but you can build it.”
- “Give someone else what filled your bucket this week.”
- “This shaped your life, and you’ll see it again 10 or 20 years from now.”
It’s now up to Rotarians to help keep that spark alive in the 129 students who attended. And for clubs that didn’t send students—please consider offering this life‑changing opportunity in your community. I’m ready to answer that call. Let’s continue “building future leaders today.”
Article submitted by AG Coordinator, Val Gerhart, Rotary Club of Benzie Sunrise